Method of improving the etch resistance of photoresists

摘要

A photoresist system is provided that is easily structurable and is suitable for deep ultraviolet range patterning. An increased etching resistance to oxygen-containing plasma is produced in a lithographically generated photoresist structure by treatment with an etch protectant. The etch protectant includes a silylating agent for chemical reaction with reactive groups of the photoresist. In an embodiment, the photoresist includes a base resin initially containing no aromatic groups. Silylating agents include silicon tetrachloride, silicon tetrafluoride, trichlorosilane, dimethylchlorosilane and hexamethyldisilazane. <IMAGE>